At more than one million and rising, California continues to lead the nation in the largest number of women-owned businesses, according to the latest state-of-women report that was commissioned by American Express OPEN. In Los Angeles County, the number of women-led enterprises has grown significantly in recent years, where greater than 432,000 female captains of industry have moved into covetable positions of power.

(Photo Courtesy of Kalika Nacion Yap)

Industries with the highest clustering of women-owned firms range from health care and social assistance to educational services.Due to the advent of the Internet, ambitious women are setting up shop in a virtual world. They are taking advantage of a variety of profit-making interactions without having to invest in a brick-and-mortar establishment.

“Women can erect their own business shingle anywhere. The Internet has allowed people to do that,” said Kalika Nacion Yap, founder and owner of Citrus Studios, a Santa Monica-based website design and marketing company.

How will the role of a woman-owned business leader change by 2022?

“Business owners will need to embrace technology even more so than today. We live in a technologically-advanced and changing world. If you’re not in the know, you are quickly in danger of becoming obsolete and outdated.”

How is technology helping women become successful entrepreneurs?

“Technology makes things much easier. Entrepreneurs in the future will need to understand technology and use it to their advantage. This isn’t about being cool or doing things the young kids are doing. It’s about being current. It’s about being relevant.”

What defines an accomplished entrepreneur?

“I believe if you make incremental progress towards your goal, small changes every day, you are successful. Making improvements will improve your altitude and your life will shift.”

What is your message to women aspiring to become business owners?

“Spend time discovering and understanding what your core values are and write them down. What qualities do you value? A positive spirit? Passion and inventiveness? One of my core values is to have heart.”

What is your objective?

“My mission is to leave a legacy of wisdom, inspiration, and enduring wealth for my family, friends and community for generations.”

Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.